West Bengal Expands PM Poshan Scheme to Provide Quality Meals to More Students

West Bengal is set to enhance its PM Poshan Scheme, expanding the provision of nutritious mid-day meals from 45,000 to 100,000 students starting October 1. Minister Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring high-quality meals in a hygienic environment. The initiative, in collaboration with the Annamrita Foundation, aims to address children's nutritional deficiencies effectively. Following a successful pilot phase, the program will gradually extend to all government and aided schools across the state. Additionally, the inclusion of eggs in the meal program aims to further enhance nutritional value. Read on to learn more about this significant initiative.

By Ambika Singh Sep 19, 2026, 11:08 IST

Expansion of Mid-Day Meal Scheme

On Thursday, West Bengal Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed that the PM Poshan Scheme will now offer higher-quality mid-day meals to an increased number of students. Effective from October 1, the initiative will grow its reach from 45,000 to 100,000 students. Adhikari emphasized the government's dedication to providing nutritious, balanced meals in a clean environment for all students enrolled in government schools, highlighting the importance of addressing children's nutritional needs.

The scheme is being executed in partnership with the 'Annamrita Foundation,' which is associated with ISKCON. Meals will be prepared in state-of-the-art, centralized kitchens.

**Initial Phase for 30,000 Students**

Adhikari noted, "On August 1, the first phase of the project began, assigning the task of preparing and delivering nutritious meals to around 30,000 students statewide to a modern centralized kitchen." He praised the organization for its commitment to using automated, hygienic methods to prepare food while adhering to required calorie and protein standards, ensuring timely delivery to schools.

He further mentioned, "Due to the initial success, the state government has expanded the program to include an additional 15,000 students, bringing the total to 45,000 beneficiaries of these high-quality mid-day meals."

Adhikari announced that a new phase of the scheme will start on October 1, extending the program to 100,000 students. The government aims to gradually roll out this initiative to all government and government-aided schools across the state.

**Inclusion of Eggs in the Meal Program**

Adhikari expressed gratitude to the officials of the 'Annamrita Foundation' for their efficient service while upholding the "highest standards." Following the change in government, the administration had declared in its initial budget that ISKCON would be responsible for providing mid-day meals in Kolkata schools. The government indicated that if the 'Kolkata model' proved effective, it could be expanded to other regions of the state. The program was initiated in select Kolkata schools in August, with ISKCON managing a centralized kitchen for meal preparation and distribution.

However, the initiative faced some criticism regarding issues such as delays in meal delivery and the provision of vegetarian options. In response, the government decided to include eggs in the school meal program, a decision that is still in place.